Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes Russia as an abiding friend.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Speech at Raisina Dialogue on 17 Jan 2017 in New Delhi highly apprised the India Russia relationship and stated "Russia is an abiding friend. President Putin and I have held long conversations on the challenges that confront the world today. Our trusted and strategic partnership, especially in the field of defence has deepened. Our investments in new drivers of our relationship, and the emphasis on energy, trade, and S&T linkages are showing successful results."